Russia Day (Роза Жукова)
The holiday is celebrated on the 12th on June. It has been celebrated since 1992, The First Congress of People's Deputies of the Russian Federation adopted the Day of adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation on the 12 of June in 1990. Russia Day is an occasion for many Russians to demonstrate national pride. People may attend concerts and fireworks that take place in many cities throughout the country. Prominent Russian writers, scientists and humanitarian workers receive a National Award from the Russian president on this day. Yet many other people see Russia Day as nothing more than a day off. In a recent poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation, only 20% of respondents said that it held greater meaning. Russia Day, although it has only existed for 15 years, is an effective microcosm for Russia as whole. Ramadan (Диана Шеламова)
It is the ninth month of Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness. Fasting is fardh ("obligatory") for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding ,diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding. Muslims think of it as a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives. The last ten days of Ramadan are a time of special spiritual power as everyone tries to come closer to God through devotions and good deeds. The night on which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet, known as the Night of Power (Lailat ul-Qadr), is generally taken to be the 27th night of the month. The Qur'an states that this night is better than a thousand months. Therefore many Muslims spend the entire night in prayer. During the month, Muslims try to read as much of the Qur'an as they can. Most try to read the whole book at least once. Some spend part of their day listening to the recitation of the Qur'an in a mosque.
Constitution Day (Антонина Ожерельева)
Russia’s Constitution Day is a celebration of the adoption of the Constitution of the Russian Federation by referendum on December 12, 1993, after the historical collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990.
Russians approved by referendum the new Constitution of the Russian Federation on December 12, 1993. The first ever Russian constitution was adopted in 1918 after the Monarchy was overthrown by the new Soviet regime, forming the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. The constitution concentrated all power in the All-Russian Congress of Soviets. A second constitution was adopted in 1924 for the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or USSR. Under this constitution, the power was concentrated in the Congress of the Soviets of the USSR. In 1936, a new constitution was put in place by Joseph Stalin to establish priority of federal legislation over republican.
Later in 1977, Brezhnev adopted another constitution that would give him more power as the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Finally, by 1993, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, President Boris Yeltsin called to work the Constitutional Conference to create a new constitution. The referendum was held on December 12, 1993, simultaneous with the election of the government. The 1993 constitution brought stability to the new Russian Federation, moving away from previous constitutions not providing any economic system based on state ownership.
Even though most Russians don’t give much importance to the date, Constitution Day is celebrated with speeches from the Kremlin Palace by the president, official ceremonies countrywide, and a fireworks display in St. Petersburg. It is also a day that many organizations take the opportunity to hold rallies for the independence of previous Soviet republics from the Russian Federation and to lead protest against the government.
Day of Slavic writing and culture. (Виолетта Коннова)
The holiday dates back to the tradition of the Church that existed in Bulgaria in X—XI centuries. The earliest data for the celebration of the 11th of may (may 24 new style), the day of the Holy equal to the apostles enlighteners Cyril and Methodius, also known as "the brothers from Salonika", date back to the XII century, although they were recognized as saints in the late ninth century. Separately the memory of St. Cyril is celebrated on February 14 (February 27, new style), St. Methodius — April 6 (April 19, new style), in the days of their death.
Overall the feast of saints Cyril and Methodius was celebrated Bulgarian Church and in the following century, in the epoch of the Bulgarian Revival turned into a celebration of their alphabet. This feast was expressed spiritual desire for ecclesiastical independence, national self-determination, blossoming of education and culture of the Bulgarians. The feast was celebrated not only in the Bulgarian lands, but also among immigrants in Russia and Romania, Bulgarian students abroad, prisoners in Turkish prisons.
The celebration of the memory of the Holy brothers back in the old days took place in Slavic countries, but then, under the influence of historical and political circumstances, was lost. In the early nineteenth century, together with the revival of the Slavic Nations, has been updated and the memory of the Slavic first teacher. In 1863, in Russia, adopted a resolution to celebrate the memory of saints Cyril and Methodius on may 11 (may 24 new style).
Tsagaan Sar in Kalmykia (Семеева Анастасия)
Tsagaan Sar – is Kalmyk national holiday, also known as the Mongolian Lunar New Year or White Moon celebration( Tsaagan – White, Sar – Moon). It is celebrated one month after the first new moon following the winter solstice and usually continues for 3 days.
White Moon celebration is a great symbol of human’s and nature’s renewal, purity of thoughts, hopes and kind expectations.
Before celebrating Tsagaan Sar all Mongolians are involved in various types of preparation:
The day before Tsagaan Sar is named “bituun” or “no moon/dark moon” day. On this day, families cook the traditional food which includes dairy products, rice with curds or rice with raisin, a pyramid of traditional cookies erected on a large dish in a special symbolizing Mount Sumeru orShambhalarealm, a grilled side of sheep and minced beef or minced mutton steamed inside pastry, a dish known as buuz, horse meat and traditional cookies. Also all family clean the house together.
In the evening people wear their finest clothes and sit around the table to feast until they can eat no more, also visit neighbors and relatives.
The next morning, people get up before sunrise, get dressed in their finest clothes and walk in directions prescribed by the zodiac to start the new year in right direction. This is thought to bring good luck for the coming year.
With the sunrise, the greeting ceremony starts(zolgokh) : the eldest or hosts of the family sit at khoimor (opposite side of door). When people greet, both extend their arms, palms turned up. Younger family members support the elders at the elbows from below and say “Amar sain baina uu?” which means “how are you? The elder one says “mendee, amar sain uu?” meaning “fine, And you?” and the older family member kisses the other on the both cheeks. In such way they express their respect to each other. After the greetings, visitors would be given a cup of milk tea with or without salt.
There is a lot of other rituals are carried on these days. One of them is so-called “Sodjong” ( one-day post), which burns all bad things from your life (rage, envy, etc.).
Another ritual is a presentation three pieces of ice and hay at the doorway for deity Baldan Lham and her mute, because people believe that the deity visits every family during the night of “no moon day”.
Unity Day (Полина Старцева)
Unity Day (also called Day of People’s Unity or National Unity Day) is national holiday in Russian Federation held on November 4 (October 22, Old Style). It commemorates the popular uprising which expelled Polish occupation forces from Moscow in November 1612, and more generally the end of the Time of Troubles and the Polish-Muscovite War (1605–1618).
The day's name alludes to the idea that all classes of Russian society united to preserve Russian statehood when there was neither a tsar nor a patriarch to guide them. In 1613 tsar Mikhail Romanov instituted a holiday named Day of Moscow’s Liberation from Polish Invaders. It was celebrated in the Russian Empire until 1917, when it was replaced with a commemoration of the Russian Revolution. Unity Day was reinstituted by the Russian Federation in 2005, when the events of the year 1612 have been celebrated instead of those of 1917 every November 4 since. The day is also the feast day of the Russian Orthodox icon of Our Lady of Kazan.
Victory Day
(Валерия Тюрина)
Victory Day in Russia is celebrated on May 9 and the country’s second most popular public holiday after New Year’s Day. The holiday marks the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in the Second World War in 1945. Unlike Europe where it is celebrated on May 8, Victory Day in Russia is celebrated on May 9 as Germany’s surrender was signed late in the evening on May 8, 1945 when it was already May 9 in Russia. Victory Day in Russia commemorates millions of people who lost their lives in the Second World War and honors the bravery of Russian soldiers and Russian people on the whole whose heroism saved the country from Nazi invaders. On this day celebrations and commemorative events are held all across Russia, with military parades taking place in the country’s major cities.
The biggest parade is in Moscow’s Red Square, demonstrating Russia’s military forces.
Another tradition is to give flowers, usually red carnations, to veterans in the street and to lay wreaths at the war memorial sites. Neighborhood schools may host a program prepared by the students, featuring wartime songs and poetry. At home, families gather at the dinner to honor surviving witnesses of World War II and remember those who passed away. They may also watch a favorite Soviet film based on the events of World War II. These films are repeated each year but the audience seems to never grow tired of them.
Common symbols of Victory Day in Russia are:
St. George ribbon – people wear this black-and-yellow ribbon on their clothes or tie it to car antennas as a sign of respect and remembrance.
Red carnations – blood red is the color of the Soviet flag under which the veterans had fought. Laying an even number of red carnations at war memorial sites signifies mourning and remembrance.
Red Star medal – a military distinction for bravery.
Defender of the Fatherland Day (Зайцева Екатерина) Defender of the Fatherland Day is a holiday observed in Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and several other former republics of the Soviet Union. It is celebrated on February 23, except in Kazakhstan, where the date is May 7. Officially, as the name suggests, the holiday celebrates people who are serving or were serving theRussian Armed Forces (both men and women, both military and civilian personnel), but unofficially, nationally it has also more recently come to include the celebration of men as a whole, and to act as a counterpart of International Women's Day on March 8. The holiday is celebrated with parades and processions in honor of veterans, and women also give small gifts to men in their lives, especially husbands (or boyfriends, fiances), fathers, sons and brothers. As a part of the workplace culture, women often give small gifts to their male co-workers. Consequently, in colloquial usage, the holiday is often referred to as Men's Day
Maslenitsa (Наташа Гребенкина)
Maslenitsa is an Eastern Slavic religious and folk holiday, celebrated during the last week before Great Lent, that is, the eighth week before Eastern Orthodox Pascha (Easter).
According to archeological evidence from 2nd century A.D. Maslenitsa may be the oldest surviving Russian holiday. Maslenitsa has its origins in the pagan tradition. In Slavic mythology, Maslenitsa is a sun-festival, personified by the ancient god Volos, and a celebration of the imminent end of the winter. In the Christian tradition, Maslenitsa is the last week before the onset of Great Lent.
In some regions, each day of Maslenitsa had its traditional activity. Monday may be the welcoming of “Lady Maslenitsa”(чучело Масленицы). The community builds the Maslenitsa effigy out of straw (изсоломыout), decorated with pieces of rags, and fixed to a pole formerly known as Kostroma. It is paraded around and the first pancakes may be made and offered to the poor. On Tuesday, young men might search for a fiancée to marry after lent. On Wednesday sons-in-law may visit their mother-in-law who has prepared pancakes and invited other guests for a party. Thursday may be devoted to outdoor activities. People may take off work and spend the day sledding, ice skating, snowball fights and with sleigh rides. On Friday sons-in-law may may invite their mothers-in-law for dinner. Saturday may be a gathering of a young wife with her sisters-in-law to work on a good relationship; The Russian word for sister-in-law (золовка) stems from the word evil (зло), and невестка the brother’s wife means outsider and illustrates the traditional relationship.
The holiday is celebrated on the 12th on June. It has been celebrated since 1992, The First Congress of People's Deputies of the Russian Federation adopted the Day of adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation on the 12 of June in 1990. Russia Day is an occasion for many Russians to demonstrate national pride. People may attend concerts and fireworks that take place in many cities throughout the country. Prominent Russian writers, scientists and humanitarian workers receive a National Award from the Russian president on this day. Yet many other people see Russia Day as nothing more than a day off. In a recent poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation, only 20% of respondents said that it held greater meaning. Russia Day, although it has only existed for 15 years, is an effective microcosm for Russia as whole.
Ramadan (Диана Шеламова)
It is the ninth month of Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness. Fasting is fardh ("obligatory") for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding ,diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding. Muslims think of it as a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives. The last ten days of Ramadan are a time of special spiritual power as everyone tries to come closer to God through devotions and good deeds. The night on which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet, known as the Night of Power (Lailat ul-Qadr), is generally taken to be the 27th night of the month. The Qur'an states that this night is better than a thousand months. Therefore many Muslims spend the entire night in prayer. During the month, Muslims try to read as much of the Qur'an as they can. Most try to read the whole book at least once. Some spend part of their day listening to the recitation of the Qur'an in a mosque.
Constitution Day (Антонина Ожерельева)
Russia’s Constitution Day is a celebration of the adoption of the Constitution of the Russian Federation by referendum on December 12, 1993, after the historical collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990.
Russians approved by referendum the new Constitution of the Russian Federation on December 12, 1993. The first ever Russian constitution was adopted in 1918 after the Monarchy was overthrown by the new Soviet regime, forming the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. The constitution concentrated all power in the All-Russian Congress of Soviets. A second constitution was adopted in 1924 for the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or USSR. Under this constitution, the power was concentrated in the Congress of the Soviets of the USSR. In 1936, a new constitution was put in place by Joseph Stalin to establish priority of federal legislation over republican.
Later in 1977, Brezhnev adopted another constitution that would give him more power as the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Finally, by 1993, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, President Boris Yeltsin called to work the Constitutional Conference to create a new constitution. The referendum was held on December 12, 1993, simultaneous with the election of the government. The 1993 constitution brought stability to the new Russian Federation, moving away from previous constitutions not providing any economic system based on state ownership.
Even though most Russians don’t give much importance to the date, Constitution Day is celebrated with speeches from the Kremlin Palace by the president, official ceremonies countrywide, and a fireworks display in St. Petersburg. It is also a day that many organizations take the opportunity to hold rallies for the independence of previous Soviet republics from the Russian Federation and to lead protest against the government.
Day of Slavic writing and culture. (Виолетта Коннова)
The holiday dates back to the tradition of the Church that existed in Bulgaria in X—XI centuries. The earliest data for the celebration of the 11th of may (may 24 new style), the day of the Holy equal to the apostles enlighteners Cyril and Methodius, also known as "the brothers from Salonika", date back to the XII century, although they were recognized as saints in the late ninth century. Separately the memory of St. Cyril is celebrated on February 14 (February 27, new style), St. Methodius — April 6 (April 19, new style), in the days of their death.
Overall the feast of saints Cyril and Methodius was celebrated Bulgarian Church and in the following century, in the epoch of the Bulgarian Revival turned into a celebration of their alphabet. This feast was expressed spiritual desire for ecclesiastical independence, national self-determination, blossoming of education and culture of the Bulgarians. The feast was celebrated not only in the Bulgarian lands, but also among immigrants in Russia and Romania, Bulgarian students abroad, prisoners in Turkish prisons.
The celebration of the memory of the Holy brothers back in the old days took place in Slavic countries, but then, under the influence of historical and political circumstances, was lost. In the early nineteenth century, together with the revival of the Slavic Nations, has been updated and the memory of the Slavic first teacher. In 1863, in Russia, adopted a resolution to celebrate the memory of saints Cyril and Methodius on may 11 (may 24 new style).
Tsagaan Sar in Kalmykia (Семеева Анастасия)
Tsagaan Sar – is Kalmyk national holiday, also known as the Mongolian Lunar New Year or White Moon celebration( Tsaagan – White, Sar – Moon). It is celebrated one month after the first new moon following the winter solstice and usually continues for 3 days.
White Moon celebration is a great symbol of human’s and nature’s renewal, purity of thoughts, hopes and kind expectations.
Before celebrating Tsagaan Sar all Mongolians are involved in various types of preparation:
The day before Tsagaan Sar is named “bituun” or “no moon/dark moon” day. On this day, families cook the traditional food which includes dairy products, rice with curds or rice with raisin, a pyramid of traditional cookies erected on a large dish in a special symbolizing Mount Sumeru or Shambhala realm, a grilled side of sheep and minced beef or minced mutton steamed inside pastry, a dish known as buuz, horse meat and traditional cookies. Also all family clean the house together.
In the evening people wear their finest clothes and sit around the table to feast until they can eat no more, also visit neighbors and relatives.
The next morning, people get up before sunrise, get dressed in their finest clothes and walk in directions prescribed by the zodiac to start the new year in right direction. This is thought to bring good luck for the coming year.
With the sunrise, the greeting ceremony starts(zolgokh) : the eldest or hosts of the family sit at khoimor (opposite side of door). When people greet, both extend their arms, palms turned up. Younger family members support the elders at the elbows from below and say “Amar sain baina uu?” which means “how are you? The elder one says “mendee, amar sain uu?” meaning “fine, And you?” and the older family member kisses the other on the both cheeks. In such way they express their respect to each other. After the greetings, visitors would be given a cup of milk tea with or without salt.
There is a lot of other rituals are carried on these days. One of them is so-called “Sodjong” ( one-day post), which burns all bad things from your life (rage, envy, etc.).
Another ritual is a presentation three pieces of ice and hay at the doorway for deity Baldan Lham and her mute, because people believe that the deity visits every family during the night of “no moon day”.
Unity Day (Полина Старцева)
Unity Day (also called Day of People’s Unity or National Unity Day) is national holiday in Russian Federation held on November 4 (October 22, Old Style). It commemorates the popular uprising which expelled Polish occupation forces from Moscow in November 1612, and more generally the end of the Time of Troubles and the Polish-Muscovite War (1605–1618).The day's name alludes to the idea that all classes of Russian society united to preserve Russian statehood when there was neither a tsar nor a patriarch to guide them. In 1613 tsar Mikhail Romanov instituted a holiday named Day of Moscow’s Liberation from Polish Invaders. It was celebrated in the Russian Empire until 1917, when it was replaced with a commemoration of the Russian Revolution. Unity Day was reinstituted by the Russian Federation in 2005, when the events of the year 1612 have been celebrated instead of those of 1917 every November 4 since. The day is also the feast day of the Russian Orthodox icon of Our Lady of Kazan.
Victory Day
(Валерия Тюрина)
Victory Day in Russia is celebrated on May 9 and the country’s second most popular public holiday after New Year’s Day.
The holiday marks the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in the Second World War in 1945. Unlike Europe where it is celebrated on May 8, Victory Day in Russia is celebrated on May 9 as Germany’s surrender was signed late in the evening on May 8, 1945 when it was already May 9 in Russia.
Victory Day in Russia commemorates millions of people who lost their lives in the Second World War and honors the bravery of Russian soldiers and Russian people on the whole whose heroism saved the country from Nazi invaders.
On this day celebrations and commemorative events are held all across Russia, with military parades taking place in the country’s major cities.
The biggest parade is in Moscow’s Red Square, demonstrating Russia’s military forces.
Another tradition is to give flowers, usually red carnations, to veterans in the street and to lay wreaths at the war memorial sites.
Neighborhood schools may host a program prepared by the students, featuring wartime songs and poetry.
At home, families gather at the dinner to honor surviving witnesses of World War II and remember those who passed away. They may also watch a favorite Soviet film based on the events of World War II. These films are repeated each year but the audience seems to never grow tired of them.
Common symbols of Victory Day in Russia are:
Defender of the Fatherland Day (Зайцева Екатерина)
Defender of the Fatherland Day is a holiday observed in Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and several other former republics of the Soviet Union. It is celebrated on February 23, except in Kazakhstan, where the date is May 7.
Officially, as the name suggests, the holiday celebrates people who are serving or were serving theRussian Armed Forces (both men and women, both military and civilian personnel), but unofficially, nationally it has also more recently come to include the celebration of men as a whole, and to act as a counterpart of International Women's Day on March 8.
The holiday is celebrated with parades and processions in honor of veterans, and women also give small gifts to men in their lives, especially husbands (or boyfriends, fiances), fathers, sons and brothers. As a part of the workplace culture, women often give small gifts to their male co-workers. Consequently, in colloquial usage, the holiday is often referred to as Men's Day
Maslenitsa (Наташа Гребенкина)
Maslenitsa is an Eastern Slavic religious and folk holiday, celebrated during the last week before Great Lent, that is, the eighth week before Eastern Orthodox Pascha (Easter).
According to archeological evidence from 2nd century A.D. Maslenitsa may be the oldest surviving Russian holiday. Maslenitsa has its origins in the pagan tradition. In Slavic mythology, Maslenitsa is a sun-festival, personified by the ancient god Volos, and a celebration of the imminent end of the winter. In the Christian tradition, Maslenitsa is the last week before the onset of Great Lent.
In some regions, each day of Maslenitsa had its traditional activity. Monday may be the welcoming of “Lady Maslenitsa”(чучело Масленицы). The community builds the Maslenitsa effigy out of straw (изсоломыout), decorated with pieces of rags, and fixed to a pole formerly known as Kostroma. It is paraded around and the first pancakes may be made and offered to the poor. On Tuesday, young men might search for a fiancée to marry after lent. On Wednesday sons-in-law may visit their mother-in-law who has prepared pancakes and invited other guests for a party. Thursday may be devoted to outdoor activities. People may take off work and spend the day sledding, ice skating, snowball fights and with sleigh rides. On Friday sons-in-law may may invite their mothers-in-law for dinner. Saturday may be a gathering of a young wife with her sisters-in-law to work on a good relationship; The Russian word for sister-in-law (золовка) stems from the word evil (зло), and невестка the brother’s wife means outsider and illustrates the traditional relationship.